Offaly defender Hubert Rigney has rejoined the county Senior Hurling panel for the first time since last year’s All-Ireland final loss to Kilkenny. Rigney was omitted from the panel that day, and this is believed to be the reason that he refused to return to the fold in the meantime.
Rigney however trained with the squad on Wednesday, the first session since foot and mouth restrictions were introduced. His return comes after a number of invitations from manager Michael Bond and County Chairman Brendan Ward, but may have hinged on the intervention of fellow defender Brian Whelehan and former county corner-back Aidan Fogarty, who are believed to have influenced the situation.
Rigney is also at odds with his club, St Rynagh’s, over the situation, claiming the they not back him up in light of then county manager Pat Fleury’s decision. It is not known whether Rigney has made peace with his club as yet.
Meanwhile, the much delayed Offaly 2000 Senior Hurling Final between Birr and Seir Keiran is fixed for Birr next Sunday.
Filed by Jimmy D'Arcy
